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Winston is center of attention at FSU Media Day

By Brad Milner | News Herald Writer

Published: Sunday, August 11, 2013 at 03:24 PM.

He said Manuel told him to “be yourself, stay calm and always be positive.” Winston heeded the words and added “every day is gonna be a good day at Florida State” thanks to his lighthearted demeanor and his desire to spread joy, he said.

There was much of the latter Sunday. Winston’s first Media Day was well-received. He was hopeful upcoming preseason gatherings will have more stories related to winning championships and not just personal anecdotes.

If he progresses to that point he may join the greats whose photos are on the wall. From Deion Sanders to Warrick Dunn to Derrick Brooks, the amount of true greatness is too much to extrapolate for Winston or any player on the current roster.

Sunday he was just like Coker or any other Seminole for that matter. Winston is a superstar in waiting for his opportunity. It might come in a few weeks.

There’s still the slight chance Coker will win the job, too. The destiny of both could be changed forever by Fisher. A destiny to join the wall of greatness is potentially at stake.

It could be Winston’s destiny. It might be Wilder’s or Rashad Greene’s or Karlos Williams.’ It might even be one of the players not found in the room this day as well.

TALLAHASSEE – Flanked by greatness adorning the walls of Florida State’s meeting room, Jameis Winston engaged a throng of reporters Sunday, eliciting laughs, flashing a star-quality smile and commanding a room like a player who’s been here before.

The redshirt freshman quarterback received the most attention at the Seminoles’ annual Media Day as expected. He charmed the swarm of writers, much like he has a fan base that’s already anointed him as not only this season’s starting quarterback but a player who could someday be on par with the likes of Charlie Ward.

Both of those matters are down the line to be judged accordingly. The first item can be achieved in a matter of weeks when FSU coach Jimbo Fisher announces his starter prior to the Labor Day opener at Pittsburgh. Sophomore Jacob Coker is Winston’s competition and while many believe the race is over, Fisher and his players took up for both quarterbacks Sunday.

The “company line” was echoed by offensive linemen, running backs and wide receivers that each would be a perfect leader for the team. The quarterbacks also made their cases while lauding their competitor. The importance of team was placed above individuals, as one would predict.

The buzzword of the day, used by several players including Winston, was great in various derivatives. James Wilder Jr. said greatness could be used to describe FSU’s offensive backfield. Bryan Stork said this might be the greatest line FSU’s had in a while and several defenders touted their resumes for being possibly the greats among their positions this season.

Winston used the term in describing himself, but it wasn’t without a bit of humility sprinkled into the words. He’s previously shown his athletic ability on the baseball diamond and produced well in the spring for the football team. He said the hype surrounding him, which includes magazine covers, listings of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s best players and a fan club of sorts among FSU fans, isn’t what drives him.

Winning does.

“Pressure, it’s just a word. There is absolutely no pressure,” Winston said. “Look at everyone around us. We have a great coach, great players.

“I’m like a step kid that was adopted. I have this whole team to raise me and hopefully help me be a great quarterback one day. If I can get my attitude to get with everybody we’re gonna win some games.”

On Sunday, Winston pointed out he was “just another quarterback.” He wasn’t the starter. He wasn’t the backup.

Fisher will ultimately decide his role this season. If it goes as expected, Winston will step in and try to replace EJ Manuel. Fisher declined to put a timetable on the choice, simply stating “we’ll know when we know.”

No matter the decision, one thing was certain Sunday and moving forward. Winston is a strong presence. That much came across as he fielded questions and answered each with ease.

Across the room, four rows up, Coker was greeted by a handful of reporters. The pod dissipated quickly, while Winston stayed seated for the longest duration of any player or coach made available to the media.

He delivered humorous lines like a seasoned comedian, pointed out his faults and areas of improvement like a veteran and recounted pieces of advice and offered stories that belied his youth. This all coming from a player who has yet to take a snap in a game that meant anything for the Seminoles.

He said Manuel told him to “be yourself, stay calm and always be positive.” Winston heeded the words and added “every day is gonna be a good day at Florida State” thanks to his lighthearted demeanor and his desire to spread joy, he said.

There was much of the latter Sunday. Winston’s first Media Day was well-received. He was hopeful upcoming preseason gatherings will have more stories related to winning championships and not just personal anecdotes.

If he progresses to that point he may join the greats whose photos are on the wall. From Deion Sanders to Warrick Dunn to Derrick Brooks, the amount of true greatness is too much to extrapolate for Winston or any player on the current roster.

Sunday he was just like Coker or any other Seminole for that matter. Winston is a superstar in waiting for his opportunity. It might come in a few weeks.

There’s still the slight chance Coker will win the job, too. The destiny of both could be changed forever by Fisher. A destiny to join the wall of greatness is potentially at stake.

It could be Winston’s destiny. It might be Wilder’s or Rashad Greene’s or Karlos Williams.’ It might even be one of the players not found in the room this day as well.